Me: Okay, I forgot to clarify something in the last two story posts. When I said OC's could be accepted, I forgot to say: Read the first chapter, and then tell me which faction, or neither, you wanted to be a part of.
It's not too tough really; Just write a bit of back story on the OC in your review, and tell me in which side you'd like an appearance on. That simple.
But I may have a question or two about characterization, if I'm confused about one or more facts about your OC. I don't want to offend you, you know! You can also direct me to stories with said character, and I'll read it on my time, to see where I can best place and portray said character.
Riley: *Ahem* As interesting as this little tirade is, I'm sure they just want a disclaimer, and to be told to 'enjoy reading'...
Me: You again!? I thought I locked you nice and tight in that cardboard box!
Riley: A cardboard box couldn't keep a mouse, let alone a person, trapped within.
Me: Darn you! Sir Aaron! Disclaimer please!
Sir Aaron: But I'm not even a part of this story.
Me: You'll be mentioned in passing... Disclaimer! Now!
Sir Aaron: She doesn't own toast, and... What was I supposed to say?
Me/Riley: *Smacks foreheads*
Sir Aaron: ... Oh! Right! She doesn't own: Pokemon; The characters portrayed within, apart from her own OC's; Nor the places that can be found on an official Poke-Earth map, just the made up ones!
Me: And so, without further adieu, I give you, Ch. 2! Enjoy your reading! (Dang, this note took a whole page! D: )
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Chapter Two:
A little at a time
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Riley had been disappointed when he walked away from the Grand Councilmen's audience chamber. It wasn't until the next day, after some calming meditation and rest, that he realized what Starr had meant when he'd said he hoped Riley wouldn't turn it into a 'personal affair'.
He was saying that if Riley left without really sorting out his feelings, he might not be able to treat that strange Aura user with respect. It was imperative to bring him back as unharmed as possible, to ensure his cooperation. 'I am so blind sometimes...' Riley regretted being resentful to the Councilman, but knew he was already forgiven without even having to apologize.
"Feeling better?"
Riley smiled. One of the things that never failed when you were in Solaceon, was that there was a never ending supply of caring and respect. This town, that had started as three small travelers utility buildings, had slowly grown into a Pokemon Breeders hub. Many here were the type of folk that liked peace and quiet, at least, when they were away from their breeding duties.
"Yes, much." Riley said in response to the query
"I thought you might." said the nice young breeder who took it upon themselves to personally ask after his well being, "I don't think I've ever seen you act so down before, and I guess you're good at being happy-go-lucky, too!"
"Happy-go-lucky?"
Riley wore his trademark 'bemused look' at this. It wasn't often he found out he had a silly behavior pattern that was obvious to others, "I don't really know about that." he finished evenly
"You do," the breeder laughed, "Everyone in Solaceon knows that!"
Of course. He and some of the other Knights were really popular here, it figures that the townsfolk would notice when they were down, or simply bored. Hell, they were practically residents themselves!
"Ok, maybe I do. But what's wrong with it?" Riley asked calmly
He knew the breeder might scold him for being ornery, but it'd be worth it. He needed a diversion until tomorrow, when he'd face Councilman Starr for his next assignment. He hoped he wouldn't be put off from the case. But if he was told to let go, he had by now meditated enough on the reasonable reasons, to understand why.
"There's nothing wrong with being another good person in the world. There're few enough already, to begin with!" they answered with a smile, no scolding here
"Yeah," Riley said after a pause, what the breeder had said, affected him deeply for some reason, "I know what you mean."
The breeder just smiled, and said, "Well, I've got to get back to my work. Have a good afternoon!"
And they ran off.
Back to chores.
Back to work.
Back to life that still went on, even if Riley had to do something other than chase after the one who faintly haunted his memory. 'That's right... I may not be the one that Starr will send after him. But I at least hope that I'll have some say in this case, having actually met the boy...'
Riley frowned.
He was doing it again. Thinking futilely about what he wanted, and not what was best for everyone. Sighing, he decided that meditation probably wasn't helping very much at the moment. And he chose instead to move off to the hidden 'Aura Training Grounds'.
Hard exercise and sweat, might set him on a different train of thought. It'd be a relief if he could just move forward in time. The wait was getting to him, even now, as he ran to the grounds. 'When I face Starr tomorrow, I want to look like I'm ready and able. Not like I've become obsessed with this mystery kid...'
All in all, Riley's calmer exterior would never fool those in the ranks. A novice might even be able to spot his unrest. 'It's just as well, I only have to wait until tomorrow, too.' And so thinking, he went to the hardest level obstacle courses on the grounds, to relieve himself of the need to think.
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Three days.
Three days were all Allan was allotted to recover from his punishment. He was used to it; If he hadn't grown used to it, he might not have survived for as long as he had, under the Dark Knight's instruction.
Oh, yes. He had been trained, tutored, and most importantly, told everything about their shared history with the Aura Knights. "Those damned Aura Knights", his personal Master would always say, "Were responsible for ruining our rule, our way of life!"
And if Allan hadn't been so very proficient in the use of his Aura talents, Master Raze would've looked for someone stronger. Fate always seemed to shove Allan into the toughest positions.
He'd survived most of his natural life in this oppressive learning environment. If you didn't do well, you were punished. If you were the best, your life would be slightly better... Until you attracted the attention of the DK Masters.
Most of the other young Knights-in-training were kids he'd grown up with. At least, ever since he could remember. 'A lot of them are stupid bastards, but a few of them are okay...' he thought while moving towards the throne room. A lot of them were never promoted to the rank 'Squire', let alone 'Knight'.
So many of them were shoved aside, made to work as the lowest slaves on this Spire Island. 'I wonder if those 'Aura Knights' do the same thing...' It was never a thought that he liked to contemplate. The idea of people like the 'Aura Knights' being the same as the 'Dark Knights'... Their shared history, was the only proof it might be the same anywhere else.
But that couldn't be. The Knight he'd met, didn't seem to have the horrible memories, that the kids here woke up screaming with! He seemed, for the lack of a better description, 'happy'!
That word, along with other expressions of joy, love, and well being, was perverse and foreign to this island. Anyone other than the DK Masters who could 'feel' such emotions, must have completely adapted to their personal Master's way of thinking.
Only the highest Dark Knights ever gained the right to train a squire. And currently, all five Grand Masters had a squire they were training.
Allan entered the throne room. And spotted the very people he'd been brooding about.
There, sitting on the throne's atop the raised platforms, were the five highest Masters of the Dark Knight' order.
The lowest on the Allan's right, was Master Hail. The Number Five of the order.
He and his squire, Kale, were best known for their destructive talents, in the field of battle. Preferring to use Pokemon and explosions to do their talking, in place of raw muscle and superior intellect. Both Master Hail, seated at his throne, and his squire, at his feet sitting on the platform facing Allan, were whispering with quiet fits of mirth over something they found very amusing.
No doubt it had something to do with Allan being punished again for the umpteenth time. 'Bastards...'
The lowest on Allan's left, was Master Vain. Yes, you read that right. 'Vain'! And he was no less 'Vain', than his name implied. He is the Number Four ranked member of the Highest.
How he was a Higher Master, and on the center's right no less, still confused Allan from time to time. It wasn't until you evaluated his history as a 'Master', that it became clear.
Master Vain, was a 'master of manipulation', as well. His chosen squire, Alvin, not only looked exceptional in appearances, he was just as clever, though not clever enough to usurp his Master's position. They were seated in a similar manner to number five and his squire. However, rather than whispering, and snickering, they were silent. As though words were wasted on the inferior beings that surrounded them.
However, Alvin turned to look at Allan just long enough, to convey his continued hatred for him. 'Of course...'
The Middle on Allan's right, was Master Shock. Firstly, the only female among the Highest, and second, she was ranked in at Number Three.
Now this was someone you didn't have to question, to understand why she was here! It was rumored that she killed her own family to become a page of the Dark Knights. And not long after, a Master. She and her own squire, Tera, also female, were probably the only ones aside from Master Raze himself, that you didn't dare cross. They too, sat in the manner of the previously mentioned masters and squires.
And they were silent, but instead of ignoring their surroundings, they focused on Allan with piercingly frosty glares. They didn't like when someone defied their 'Highest Master', and felt no less inclined to believe it was on purpose, to jeopardize the mission. 'Oh, sure, I wanted to fail! ...'
The Middle on Allan's left, was the Number Two ranked member of the DK's.
Perhaps he was the first you'd generally expect to see among them, if slightly lower in rank. This was the muscle-bound, Master Crush.
Anyone who'd had the gall to laugh at his name, learned the hard way why it was both the truth of his nature, and a deadly mistake. He was not your stereotypical, muscle-brained ox, either. An intelligence was there, that let you know why he'd made it to second highest, among all Dark Knights present, on Spire Island. He, and his near equally muscled squire, Evan, were in the same positions of all formerly attested Master's and pupils. Both appeared to be brooding over something, they almost always were. And they were always the ones that Allan avoided most.
He couldn't explain it. There was something about the pair that just screamed, 'danger to all who dare cross our path'... And it had nothing to do with their solid frames, either! 'As scary as always...'
And now, the moment you've all been waiting for, sarcasm intended!
The highest and center most platform of the dais, was reserved for none other, than Master Raze. The Number One, and ruler, of all the Dark Knights.
Although he appeared no older than thirty five, there were many rumors to suggest otherwise. If you pictured him an ugly old man, you were only half correct.
He was not ugly. In fact, he had the face of a saint! His hair was just getting that silvery frost at the temples, that made him seem both old and young. With very few wrinkles, in spite of his near daily angry rants, he was a handsome creature. His voice could be described as seductive, in a lovingly-kill-you-in-your-sleep, kind of way.
And right now, he was directing his dark gaze at the chamber's intruder. Allan shuddered imperceptibly.
"I see you have recovered, my squire."
Master Raze wasn't letting his feelings be known in his tone. He said it matter-of-factly, like he was talking about the weather... Allan shuddered again.
"Yes, Master." Allan would not wait to respond; To make his master wait for the expected verbal response, was to beg punishment for impudence
"Good," again Raze was unreadable, "My council and I have conceived a way for you to make up for your blunder at Iron Island."
Allan didn't know what to say to this. He'd been expecting more reprimands and then, 'retraining', as they liked to call further beatings and torment. To be offered an actual chance to make up for his mistake, meant something big was up. Like, they couldn't afford to punish him again, for his failure!
Nonetheless, Allan spoke up quickly; "Master? There's a way for me to make up for this?"
"Oh, yes, Allan. You see, there's no one but you, who could do this!" said Vain suddenly, and Alvin snickered
"Quiet!" hissed Shock, she never did like it when Vain spoke out of turn like that. Nothing unusual there...
"I believe, what Master Raze was saying!" Crush said, ending it
"Yes, there's only one..." Raze began again, eyes narrowed at Allan, "Only you, will manage this successfully..."
This plan of theirs, would mean bad news for whoever it affected... And, Allan, was to be the impetus!
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After much training, sweating and finally, a shower; Riley was at last able to say, that he had no idea why he'd been so concerned before. It was positively silly, the way he'd been acting!
"I can't believe myself, sometimes. And I suppose that was just one of those times I needed to be; Less a 'Knight', and more an 'ordinary person'." he sighed, soothed by the sounds of water dripping away down the drain, "Thank goodness, Starr is so understanding about these kinds of things."
Riley left the showers to head over to the Daycare service, that also secretly held onto the tired partners of Knights taking a break from their missions. 'Lucario should be well rested by now.' Riley thought happily
His partner, Lucario. Stubborn, and independent; Lucario would, no doubt, have complete control over the Pokemon staying in the care of the kindly older Knights, who'd retired to look after the weary partners of the AK.
And also trainers, it would seem. They made a reasonable profit, raising the levels of weaker pokemon for trainers who, either have no time, or no patience to do it themselves. What they didn't spend on the Pokemon, or their own living expenses, they donated to the cause.
Their daily dedication earns them merit, even long after they retired. No one argues praising them at annual get-together' for retiree's and new faces. And none would contest helping them, should they request the assistance.
True to his expectations, Lucario was the center of attention at the Daycare center. Currently, she was showing a page's Riolu the finer points of Aura Sphere manifestation. The Riolu wasn't likely to master this before it evolved, but it was still very good of Lucario to assist where she could.
"Ah, Riley, I see you're back for Lucario?" the old woman who maned the front desk asked, "Or, just visiting?"
"I've come to get Lucario. Tomorrow's the day we know for sure what sort of mission we'll be assigned."
"I see," she repeated, "Well, whatever that Starr tells you to do, you know he says it with all the right intentions."
"Yes." Riley nodded to affirm this, "I've decided, no matter what he tells me then, I won't let it bother me. He's only doing his job, in the best way he knows how."
"Quite right. Ah, here she is!"
The woman turned and there was Lucario, holding her Pokeball, looking resigned to leave all the needy student Pokemon... Riley could have laughed out loud at the figure she cut!
"What's wrong Lucario? Haven't you given enough tutelage for the past few days?"
'Of course I have! I just think they need refinement...' Lucario handed over the ball, and waited for Riley to call her back
"Don't worry! You'll see them soon, I'm sure." Riley turned to lady at the counter again, "Thank you, once again, for looking after Lucario. Are you sure you don't want payment for this?"
"As long as you are a Knight, you need never be charged for these services rendered!"
Neither reproach, nor annoyance, decorated her voice as she said this. It was always like this. So Riley said the last farewell he would need to, for a while; "Thank you. And I'll see you again, one day soon."
Riley left for his personal quarters within the secret base of the A. Knights. It was going to be a good night, with a well earned rest, after all that heavy training. And tomorrow, he would at last know the ultimatum that Starr had prepared for him.
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Me: Okay, I was really tempted to write his farewell as, 'The Aura is with You', but... I think I've done enough Star Wars bashing in the title alone, don't you? I sure do. It was half the reason I felt embarrassed posting this story, but with it's popularity picking up, I can't say its a terribly offensive name... And sorry if there's no real action in this chappy. If I had some in every one that I posted, then I'd be all actioned out, I think... But to all the screaming fangirls out there, that little shower scene with Riley, though inexplicit, was just for you! ;P
Riley: If you ever make me do that again...
Me: What'cha gonna do pretty-boy? Run away? *cough*Withoutatowel?*cough* (Totally innocent!)
Riley: *Vein*of*frustration!* Woman, you are impossible!
Me: So are you, but at least I can have my vengeance. Hey, Lauren! Do the Review call, will you sweetie?
AKC Lauren: You want me!? ... Fine... This Authoress would like to thank the following for her first, and most recent, reviews! To: Sanada'srose, yuki-neechan, Yereton... And any she might have missed for the need to post this in gratitude! Also, she would appreciate continued reviews telling her to correct her spelling, say that her grammars a mess, and then say she has to post even faster-!
Me: Hey! What the heck are you saying, Lauren! I may like, no, Love constructive criticism, but lets face it. If they don't wanna be helpful, too, then I have no problem accepting what little they will say! They took the time out of their lives to say anything at all, after all!
Riley: Oh, brother...
Me: You want me to put you in a steel reinforced box this time?
Riley: Can you even afford one big enough to hold me?
Me/Riley: (Another vicious tangent!)
AKC Lauren: Um, She would like reviews... Thank you.